New trainer in action 3.....

[Goldenstar]

I agree this is were Armas takes the contact ATM the rider is very quick to reward him thinking of doing something different.
I know because I own one of these let's curl up horses that you have to have a connection to improve things even is the horse is BTV , I tried giving the rein when he curled up on mine as I hated the feel of it but it did not help if anything it made him worse .
He's different now of course but it's three years on but his default setting is BTV I think it always wil be.

 

[Farma]

I don't see that he is being brought back into that as much as the rider is accepting that that is where he takes it at the moment. I believe this because where he does lift up out of it, she allows and encourages him to stay up.

That head position is like a default for Armas. Whatever happens, that will be the frame he falls back on as for whatever historic reason, he has decided that it is the best place to be. The rider has to work with that mentality and also the muscle definition and muscle memory that keeps him bringing his head into this position.

I won't say she's perfect or doing all the right things, but watching her progress, especially over the last two videos, it seems that she is gaining his confidence more and he is exploring the position of being on or above the vertical more.

I think we will have to agree to disagree, i hope this way is successful for them but i do not see how, if she slowed him down with the seat and allowed him to seek a forward contact without pulling him back when he does he will learn to take the contact forward although it will take time and the initial picture wont be pretty it would at least start taking him in the right direction.

 

[Armas]

He seems to improve in his head carriage when the rider asks for lateral flexion and for a change in outline - it's like he obsesses on the bit and curls up when the contact is kept steady at the moment. Seems like a busy little horse in that respect, so he probably will benefit from the schooling in the long run. It is lovely to see the videos - thank you for posting op

The lateral flexion is certainly helping distract him.I am hoping that the concistancy in work will develop his full potential.

A lot of positives again in this video!

He looks generally slightly less resistant to me, he is still dipping back but he is swinging through better, and there is less tension in his neck.

I like the fact she is quick to reward when he does as she asks.

Massive improvement in such a short space of time!

ETA I also like the fact she used more circles/serpentines this time, keep him laterally softer

We both agreed that more circles/serpentines were good and we will start to introduce pirouette back in to his routine soon.

He's softer, rushing less and starting to step through already. Like!

Better!! I really like his walk and there were lovely moments there where he really started to lengthen his frame and open up. I also like her riding today too

So jealous, wish I had an Armas!!

I am glad that you like him She thinks that pirouettes are going to be a breeze for him.

^^ this and what GG said He looks like he is becoming better connected and more confident in the contact already It's incremental, baby steps but he is definitely uncurling. I think it's a very promising partnership

Small steps and we will get there

Just want to say that I'm really enjoying these threads and the discussion, in particular GGs commentary - I'm learning a lot, I know what to look out for and I'm spotting things I might not without the explanation - and getting ideas what to look out for in my own horse & riding. Thanks all.

GG's commentary is a breath of H&H fresh air a pleasant change from the bun fighting on some of my past threads.

Really interesting session to watch thanks for posting it.
Beginnings of some better connection .
Looking forward to seeing more.

If you are not all to board and yawning at the videos I will keep posting them as I like to watch back to critic and see how he changes.

Iv watched the vids you've posted with this new trainer and even though I won't comment on the training due to knowing naff all about it.

I just wanted to say armas is a lovely horse, I can see him being a real star when his schooling all comes together.

He is a star and has lots of potential.

Our next session is tomorrow he is out in the paddock today enjoying the sun.

We last few threads have been extremely interesting to here peoples different views.

 

[Armas]

Todays session can be found here.

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=11946141&posted=1#post11946141